Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate, you’ve landed in the right place! Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are not just a recipe; they are a cherished family tradition. I can still remember those cozy evenings when my dad would whip up this deliciousness, filling our home with a blend of cheesy aromas that made everyone gather around the table.

These au gratin potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. With three types of cheese and layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, it’s hard not to fall in love with every creamy bite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice chefs. Just layer, mix, and bake!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will rave about the cheesy goodness. It’s a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it beforehand and pop it in the oven when ready. Perfect for busy days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheeses creates a rich, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with almost any main course—from roasted chicken to veggie burgers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this scrumptious dish, you won’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple and wholesome ones that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to create Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes:

For the Potatoes

• 6-7 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds (about 3 pounds)
• ½ white or yellow onion, cut into slices

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour also works)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular, skim, or whole milk)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 heaping cups shredded)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

• ½ cup gruyere cheese (or substitute more sharp cheddar)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan

To Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick if you enjoy spicy food.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma and taste.

How to Make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your au gratin potatoes will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 2-quart square baking dish (or an 8×12 dish) with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil. This step is essential so that nothing sticks during baking!

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Onions

Place sliced potatoes in three tight slanted rows in your prepared dish. Leave just enough space between slices so they can cook properly without becoming mushy. Nestle onion slices among the potatoes wherever you can fit them—this adds sweetness as they roast.

Step 4: Make Your Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, whisk in a bit of flour before slowly adding almond milk, alternating with more flour while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. You want this mixture to simmer until it reaches a creamy gravy-like consistency.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Turn down the heat to low and stir in your shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste your sauce—this is where you can adjust seasoning to match your liking!

Step 6: Pour Over Potatoes

Pour your creamy sauce evenly over the arranged potatoes and onions. Don’t worry if it looks like there’s too much sauce—it will soak into everything as it bakes!

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. This helps steam the potatoes while allowing them to absorb all that cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After removing the foil, sprinkle your gruyere cheese (or additional cheddar) along with parmesan on top of those beautifully baked potatoes. Return them to bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once done, take them out of the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy every creamy bite!

I hope you love making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Making the perfect au gratin potatoes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious!

• Use uniform potato slices: Cutting your potatoes into even 1/8th inch rounds ensures that they cook evenly. This way, every bite is perfectly tender and creamy.

• Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing your sauce to come to a gentle simmer before adding cheese helps the flavors meld beautifully and prevents clumping. A smooth sauce will coat your potatoes perfectly.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Make sure to taste the sauce before pouring it over the potatoes. Adjusting salt and pepper during cooking allows you to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

• Cover while baking initially: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes through without burning the top. Just don’t forget to remove it later for that golden crust!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your au gratin potatoes to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps them set up a bit more, making it easier to serve those beautiful layers later on.

How to Serve Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Presenting your au gratin potatoes can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful side dish that everyone will love.

Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley not only adds color but also brings a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
• Chives or green onions: Thinly sliced chives or green onions add a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish beautifully.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes on top provides a nice kick and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized pair wonderfully with creamy potatoes for a balanced meal.
• Grilled chicken or fish: A light protein option like grilled chicken breast or salmon makes for an excellent complement, allowing the richness of the au gratin to shine without overwhelming the palate.
• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli offers a nutritious pop of color and flavor that harmonizes well with cheesy dishes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have no trouble impressing family and friends at your next gathering! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch of Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes ahead of time, making your mealtime stress-free and delicious. Here’s how to store and enjoy the leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the au gratin potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen potatoes: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the same reheating instructions as above, or bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I make Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the cheeses with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use unsweetened plant-based milk.

What types of cheese work best in Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

While sharp cheddar is a must, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.

How long do Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes last in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I add vegetables to Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes just as much as we do! This dish is not only a comfort food classic but also an easy side that brings warmth to any meal. I encourage you to gather your loved ones around the table and share this cheesy goodness together. Happy cooking!